Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Sunday, March 11 at Terpening & Son Mortuary.

Porfirio was born October 7, 1941 to Porfirio, Sr. and Margaret (Lara) Gonzales in Artesia. He was lifelong Artesia resident.

He worked as a custodian for the Artesia Public School system for 40+ years and retired in 2005. Porfirio was a member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and had a passion for building show cars. He enjoyed having breakfast with his buddies at Wings and loved to spend time with his family and grandchildren including his weekly lunches at Ninas and Los Agaves.

Porfirio was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Susie Powell; brothers Israel and Lupe Gonzales; and a grandson Deciderio Gonzales.

Survivors include his daughter Debbi Garcia and husband Dennis of Artesia; son Porfirio "Sonny" Gonzales, III and wife Shelly of Artesia; sisters Betty Bolte and husband Gary of San Antonio, TX, Gloria Orosco and husband Sam of Artesia, and Alice Gonzales and daughter Demitria of Artesia; grandchildren Samatha Rubio and husband Gabriel, Sonny Gonzales and girlfriend Santana, Geno Gonzales and fiance Lisa, Erica Gonzales, Devyn Garcia and wife Callie, and Denzyl Garcia and girlfriend Dashia; 9 great-grandchildren with one on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Guestbook Entries

Our condolences to you and your family Debbi. May you always find comfort in the Lord.

Anita & Cruz Munoz

Artesia, NM

Debbie, I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. May the God of all comfort and love be with you, Dennis and your entire family.

Cassie Peppard

Corpus Christi, TX

I’m saddened to hear of Jr’s passing. He had a meek and humble personality that actually made him head and shoulders above most men in spite of his stature. After we both retired, I would always meet up with him at the annual car show every March. We would have lunch together and he would school meet on which cars needed what to make them correct. I wish I could be there. My sincere condolences to the Gonzales and Garcia families.

Steve Markl

Bella Vista, AR

We are sending thoughts and prayers , so sad to hear about Porkys passing , we will cherish our memories of the times spent with Porky and the many car shows.Mickey and Janet Bean

Mickey Bean

Artesia, NM

So Sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in our prayers.We are thinking of you and your family in this time of sadness, Mark and Carrie McCaleb

Mark and Carrie McCaleb

Artesia, NM

We are sad to hear of Jr's passing. We both have great memories of him while we were all at Zia. Our condolences to the family.

Dan & Kay Abell

Sherman, TX

My prayers are with the family of Jr. When we moved to Artesia in 1978, Jr was working at Zia where I had gotten a job. He was so friendly, sweet and made me feel an instant part of the school. Debbie , son-in-law, Dennis and their sons, Devon and Denzel are such special friends and we love them dearly. I know you will miss Jr.’s strength and wisdom. We will be thinking about your family during this time of grief and sadness. Sending our love, Sherry and Jim Wilburn.

Sherry Wilburn

Condolences(7)

Anita & Cruz MunozArtesia, NM

Our condolences to you and your family Debbi. May you always find comfort in the Lord.

Cassie PeppardCorpus Christi, TX

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

Debbie, I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. May the God of all comfort and love be with you, Dennis and your entire family.

Steve MarklBella Vista, AR

Sunday, March 11, 2018

I’m saddened to hear of Jr’s passing. He had a meek and humble personality that actually made him head and shoulders above most men in spite of his stature. After we both retired, I would always meet up with him at the annual car show every March. We would have lunch together and he would school meet on which cars needed what to make them correct. I wish I could be there. My sincere condolences to the Gonzales and Garcia families.

Mickey BeanArtesia, NM

Saturday, March 10, 2018

We are sending thoughts and prayers , so sad to hear about Porkys passing , we will cherish our memories of the times spent with Porky and the many car shows.Mickey and Janet Bean

Mark and Carrie McCalebArtesia, NM

Friday, March 9, 2018

So Sorry to hear of your loss. Your family is in our prayers.We are thinking of you and your family in this time of sadness, Mark and Carrie McCaleb

Dan & Kay AbellSherman, TX

Thursday, March 8, 2018

We are sad to hear of Jr's passing. We both have great memories of him while we were all at Zia. Our condolences to the family.

Sherry WilburnLubbock, TX

Thursday, March 8, 2018

My prayers are with the family of Jr. When we moved to Artesia in 1978, Jr was working at Zia where I had gotten a job. He was so friendly, sweet and made me feel an instant part of the school. Debbie , son-in-law, Dennis and their sons, Devon and Denzel are such special friends and we love them dearly. I know you will miss Jr.’s strength and wisdom. We will be thinking about your family during this time of grief and sadness. Sending our love, Sherry and Jim Wilburn.